Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
“Yes.” I clear my throat. “There are several benefits associated with this job, as outlined in your contract. HR can answer any questions about your health insurance or the profit sharing. The most exclusive benefit we offer, however, is my personal mentorship.”
“For sure,” she whispers, leaning forward. A pendant around her neck swings with the movement, teasing my eyes to her neckline. “That’s why I jumped at this job, actually. You guys, the Rory brothers, you’re practically legends in business around here.”
“I prefer notorious, but thanks.” I snort. The latest hype has nothing to do with me or Archer or even our miraculous start-up success.
We’re the toast of the town because everyone thinks Dex is a homegrown superhero.
“Unfortunately, my brother Dexter won’t be helping out with this program,” I tell her before any disappointment sets in.
“That’s fine,” she says with a smile that doesn’t waver.
Damn. There’s something naggingly familiar about the way her face catches the light, bringing out the gold flecks in her brown eyes.
Why do I feel like I’ve dealt with her before?
“There’s a lot to be said for the company,” she tells me cheerfully. “Your whole brand, really. I’ve done my homework.”
“Have you?”
“Yeah! The way you forced your way into a crowded market, it’s impressive. Your growth in the first five years is hardly matched by similar firms in much bigger markets. Plus, you’ve single-handedly reframed expectations around travel rentals. I mean, just look at the condos here.” She waves a hand. “All the convenience of hotel living without the stuffiness and big crowds. The Cardinal feels exclusive.”
I nod. “People with money like feeling independent without losing their creature comforts.”
“And Higher Ends delivers.” She’s surprisingly passionate. There’s no doubt she believes what she’s saying when she looks at me like I can turn water into wine.
It’s almost enough to forgive her little hurricane for tearing up my lobby.
“I’m glad you read up on us before you arrived. Now, if you’d like to come this way—”
“Look, Mommy!” Arlo skids into Salem’s side, holding up a poorly drawn picture of a stick figure with a scowl so huge it’s sliding off his chin. His eyebrows are angry Vs that take up a good proportion of his face. “I drew Mr. Grumpybutt.”
Salem’s face flames.
Wait. Is that supposed to be me? With those eyebrows?
“Arlo, go sit down,” she hisses, pressing the back of her hand to her cheek.
“But Mom, you said—”
“Arlo! I’m so sorry, Mr. Rory. He’s normally not like this, not in public. I swear.” She glances around the meeting room desperately and whispers, “It must be all the excitement here.”
Whatever.
I’m willing to bet my bank account it’s partly the coffee he guzzled. Caffeine and children don’t mix.
“It’s fine,” I say, trying to hide my irritation. Like it’s suddenly important that I’m not Mr. Grumpybutt, spoiler of everything fun beneath his twitchy villain eyebrows. “How about we get Arlo that hot chocolate—decaf, for sure—and have a look around?”
Arlo’s ears must be fine-tuned for treats.
“Yeah! Hot choc-lit!” he shouts, throwing the notepad down.
With a firm frown, Salem takes his hand and admonishes him as they follow me back to the lobby, which has thankfully been cleaned.
“Coffee?” I ask, helping myself from the freshly refilled carafe. Our cleaning manager must’ve swept the area.
If there was ever a good morning for a strong cup, it’s this one.
“Yes, please. Arlo, stand still.” She bends and lowers her voice, though I can hear every word. “We want Mommy’s new boss to like us, okay? Can you be a good boy?”
“Okay, Mom.” Arlo doesn’t sound like he’s fully on board with this plan, but at least he stops wiggling like a rambunctious puppy until I can hand him his chocolate.
“Careful, little man. It’s piping hot,” I say before he can take a giant gulp.
He eyes me cautiously, but when Salem glares at him, he decides not to throw it back and scorch his tongue. With our drinks in hand, we head for the rooftop.
“The top floor is our pièce de résistance. One of the big draws of The Cardinal,” I say in the elevator ride up. The coffee has already helped my mood, and Arlo seems more controlled, casually sipping his drink.
The doors open and we walk down the hall to the gold door that leads to the wide rooftop terrace.
This area was my idea.
Archer wanted something more subdued up here, but people don’t want restrained when they’re chasing luxury. They want sheer, unadulterated opulence. Why half-ass it when you can feel like old money for a weekend?
Up here, we deliver.
Salem gasps and finally releases Arlo’s hand. The kid rushes forward to explore the glass igloos.
“Holy crap, I never would’ve guessed,” she says. “It’s beautiful!”
“Especially at night,” I tell her. “Here.” I lead her to the glass walls so we can look out over the cityscape in the distance. Thankfully, the place is perfectly kidproof, so we don’t have to worry about chasing her little wolverine. “There are fire pits for cool evenings and winter events, and soft lighting around the pool for summer. Though it’s the view that sells it for ninety percent of the people who’ll come here.”